MADISON– Through four weeks of the 2024 high school football season some teams and players have exceeded their expectations where others lack a little luster nearing the halfway point of the regular season. Here’s what some of those elite players and their coaches had to say prior to the season kickoff on their thoughts and expectations for their campaigns:

Ty Doughty- James Clemens (WR/RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.):

“The entire coaching staff and our seniors as a whole have talked about winning the Region last year, but not wanting to be comfortable as we may have a chip on our shoulder. We must stay consistent and work as though we were last in our region. We can’t get complacent and work harder than everyone else.”

 Sam Grimes- Bob Jones (OL, 6-2, 275, Sr.):

“This is my second year starting. Part of being a senior is being a leader and we’re always trying to work on our family aspect of this. Our seniors are store managers and I want to be in front leading our team to a better finish than the last three years.”

 Jaiden Scott- Sparkman (QB, 6-0, 185, Sr.):

“We have something to prove after our 5-5 season a year ago and we can prove ourselves. I like our offense as it’s centered around me, which I like. It’s fit just for me. I’m ready for the challenge.”

 Josh Williams- Madison Academy (RB/DB, 5-9, 185, Sr.):

“Last year we saw we could get to the championship game and we know we can get there again, we just have to win that game. It’s been a motivation for us to get better every week through the season. Our offense will be a as good as last year. We’re all jelling together.”

 Chad McGehee- James Clemens (Head Coach):

“This is a close-knit group we bring a lot of experience into this with high expectations as we have won the region two of the last three years. We could be really good and I’m happy where we are. Our senior group is a unique class as they’ve played a lot as far back as sophomores.”

 Kelvis White- Bob Jones (Head Coach):

“Coming into the season we were still trying to find our identity. This group truly loves football and they are a fun group to coach. We want more. Go into the playoffs and go deep in the playoffs.”

 Bob Godsey- Madison Academy (Head Coach):

“It’s been fun to see these younger players develop and grow up as those players will need to play even more this year. We’ve got some guys who can be explosive on offense and we’ll develop a winning personality throughout the season. I see a nucleus of guys that understand what it’s about, been through it and knows what it takes. I also see a cast of younger players whose time is still step up. I like our team.”

 Ronnie Watson- Sparkman (Head Coach):

“We have a good group of players with four starters returning each on offense and defense. I think one thing I stressed is responding instead of reacting. These kids love to cheer on each other. It’s been night and day from last year.”

 A.J. Rice- Madison Academy (TE/LB, 6-3, 240, Sr.):

“We’re playing for each other and play tough and I think we’ll have better coverage guys on the defense. Our motto is simple, get better.”

 Chandler Vaughn- Bob Jones (DL, 6-2, 250, Sr.):

“My senior goal is simple, a better team. We’re building character on the team and show people who we really are. The D-line is senior heavy and we have a nickname of Trech Mafia for our defensive line.”

 Jamarion Matthews- Sparkman (DL, 6-3, 245, Jr.):

“We’re capable of doing what wee did last year on defense. My goal is to make my team better. I want to do everything I can to help us win games. I want to be a leader and have the rest of the team listen.”

 Cam Berry- James Clemens (RB, 5-9, 178, Sr.):

“Our offense like always will be physical. That will make us stand out against our opponents. Our offense will really be hard running and pounding, and we have talents to throw the ball. I’m very secure with our offensive line as they are very hard working and physical and will put guys on their butts on every play. I love my O-line.”